Malaria’s Stubborn Grip: Why Maiduguri Still Battles The Disease -By Aisha Abubakar Mustapha

Three-year-old Ibrahim lay motionless in his mother’s arms as she waited anxiously at a hospital in Maiduguri. What began as a mild fever quickly developed into severe malaria, a disease that continues to threaten thousands of families across the city despite years of prevention campaigns.

For Amina Hassan, Ibrahim’s mother, the experience was frightening.

“I thought it was an ordinary fever,” she recalls. “I didn’t know it could become so serious.”

Her story reflects a troubling reality. Malaria remains one of the most common illnesses in Maiduguri, particularly among children under five and pregnant women. Despite widespread awareness campaigns and the distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, the disease continues to place enormous pressure on families and healthcare facilities.

Health experts attribute the persistent cases to several factors. During the rainy season, stagnant water collects in drains, potholes, and open spaces, creating ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. In many neighbourhoods, blocked drainage systems and poor waste disposal practices worsen the problem.

Overcrowded settlements, including some communities hosting internally displaced persons (IDPs), also increase the risk of transmission. Limited access to clean environments and adequate healthcare services leaves many residents vulnerable to infection.

Although mosquito nets have been distributed widely, many residents do not use them consistently. Some complain of discomfort caused by heat, while others fail to replace damaged nets. Health workers say these gaps in preventive practices contribute significantly to the continued spread of malaria.

Self-medication is another major concern. Instead of seeking professional diagnosis, many people purchase drugs from roadside vendors or local pharmacies. This often leads to delayed treatment and, in severe cases, life-threatening complications.

Poverty remains a significant obstacle. For many families struggling to meet basic needs, the cost of transportation to health facilities or medical treatment can be difficult to afford. As a result, some patients seek care only when their condition has become critical.

Medical professionals stress that defeating malaria requires more than mosquito nets. Improved environmental sanitation, early diagnosis, public awareness, and stronger healthcare services are equally important. Community groups have begun organizing sanitation exercises to clear blocked drains and eliminate stagnant water, while health workers continue to educate residents on prevention measures.

Yet experts warn that lasting progress will require sustained commitment from both authorities and the public.

As Maiduguri continues its fight against malaria, one fact remains clear: prevention efforts have made a difference, but the battle is far from won. For families like Amina’s, the cost of complacency can be measured not only in illness but also in lives.